I just picked up this 3 spd from a 46' Sedan and I was wondering if there is a popular floor shift coversion that has been used? Also, how do you set it to neutral on the bench? I think the shift arms are froze in the cover even though they are shiny and oiled up. Am I missing something?

For one thing the transmission is locked in 2 gears now. It is in 2nd gear and reverse. If the shifter is set this way you will have to remove the shift lever and move the forks to line up your shifter. Someone else may be able to explain better. Marv

i just picked up this 3 spd from a 46' sedan and i was wondering if there is a popular floor shift coversion that has been used? Also, how do you set it to neutral on the bench? I think the shift arms are froze in the cover even though they are shiny and oiled up. Am i missing something?

when i was a kid, i had a 47 ford, i wanted a floor shift so went to salvage yard, bought a empty floor case, trandsfered the gears, found a top and no more trouble. I didnt add anything either.

Sorry i forgot the answer. You will need to move the rear gear which is in reverse ahead about a inch. The front is in second gear and needs moved ahead 1 click which will center it and you will be able to hold the rear shaft and turn the front one. Marv

For either shifter lever to move, at least one must be in its "neutral" position (which is the mid point detent for either lever). The interlock plunger inside the cover prevents one lever from moving unless the other is in neutral.

If you have both levers centered in their neutral positions, and neither one will rotate, either the shafts are frozen/rusted or something has somehow jammed in the detent interlock part inside the cover. I guess this could occur if one or both of the detent balls (3/8" dia) have popped out.

The original Hurst 3-speed shifter mechanism was designed after more than one young hot rodder designed there own floor shift mechanism to operate the side shift transmissions. I remember seeing these in an old early 50s Hot Rod magazine. It seems like there was an article in one of the Popular Mechanics magazines too. The three speed types evolved into the 4-speed shifter after they went into production.

So, I figured it out, got her into neutral and got the arms to move. They were a little seized up but a little persuasion loosened them up. I have a early Hurst shifter I am going to try out for the floor shift.

spring about 3/4" long and small ball are the pieces for a blocker syncronizer-3 of each of them-by the picture I beleive yours are missing. See the holes in the hub that holds the second/third shift collar. Should also be 3-short "blockers" that go there also

Two things worth mentioning. The 37-39 case and 40-52 pickup case already is a top shifter. Also, if you really have a 46 V8 transmission you have the lowest gears put into an early Ford car or light pickup transmission.

Agree with 38 coupe, you have a nice gear set there, find a top loader case from a early v-8 and transplant the gears into the top loader case. I have used cases all the way down to 35's and they will handle it. My current trans in my model a is a 48 gear set in a 38 case, I love it.

I located a Hurst floorshift for the early Ford transmission WITH the proper brackets and linkage. They're not plentiful but they're out there. FYI - Hurst has a service whereby they'll rebuild the shifter to "as new" specs. Check their website. Good luck.

I located a Hurst floorshift for the early Ford transmission WITH the proper brackets and linkage. They're not plentiful but they're out there. FYI - Hurst has a service whereby they'll rebuild the shifter to "as new" specs. Check their website. Good luck.

Flataddict...if you want the BEST guide on flathead transmissions contact Mac VanPelt, Cincinnati, 800-299-7496. He has compiled a fantastic booklet that will provide you with all the information you will ever need. A few dollars WELL SPENT.

He is a contributor on the Fordbarn and his post is part of this thread.

spring about 3/4" long and small ball are the pieces for a blocker syncronizer-3 of each of them-by the picture I beleive yours are missing. See the holes in the hub that holds the second/third shift collar. Should also be 3-short "blockers" that go there also

So I took a closer look and they are all gone. Previous owner must have had it apart and "forgot" to put them back. I see Vanpelts has them, I am curious what the function of them is? Enlighten me